As part of our AExME creator spotlight video series we teamed up with YouTube vlogger Liya (LoveFromLiyax) for an American Eagle try on haul and asked her to share her fave looks & dorm décor items to hit refresh on the fall semester. The result? Looks she loves and we know you’ll love too!

LIYA’S FAVORITE JEANS:

One of Liya’s favorite things that came in her try on haul was our Ne(X)t Level jeggings. Our signature Ne(X)t Level technology offers up the right amount of stretch so you can move any way you want and don’t have to worry about them bagging out or feeling loose halfway through the day. Liya picked the high-waisted jegging and super high-waisted jegging—both designed to provide plenty of coverage and feel comfortable! These fits are perfect for any event and every day—a real go-to for back to school, fall and winter looks.

The high-waisted fit sits at the right point for comfort and coverage, and the super high-waist sits a little higher just below the natural waist for a more covered feel. Both make sure you look good and more importantly FEEL GOOD about your outfit of the day. Another faves of Liya’s is the light wash mom jean. Cut in a classic throwback design that’s reminiscent of the 80s and 90s, these jeans are almost too cool to be true, and look great with a graphic tee or crop top. These jeans are also a little high-waisted so you have a comfy and relaxed fit. Need a little more mom jean inspiration before you try this fit out? Check out our mom jeans assortment.

TOPS SHE LOVES:

What’s a good pair of jeans without the perfect top to wear it with? Not much! Liya’s picks are perfect for going out or going to class. The first pick is a Kodak graphic tee from our Tailgate line that serves up a throwback vibe with bright yellow and red colors. Wear it loose and baggy or tie it up, either way this shirt will have you serving looks this semester.

Need another style that can be worn at school and for anything after? Her choice of the off the shoulder top is juuuust right for both events. A lace design means you have cover exactly where you need it, but the off shoulder cut is still cute and fun for parties or going out. Liya’s last top pick is a striped crop top! We love this look for fall and spring, and if you need a little more warmth just throw on a cardigan and you’re good to go.

HER FAVORITE ACCESSORIES & DORM DÉCOR:

One of Liya’s other fave items she didn’t even know we carried? Dorm décor! We’re well known for our jeans and flannels when things cool down this time of year, but with our AEO APT collection you can make your dorm or apartment as cozy as your favorite top, and AEO APT also makes for perfect gifts! No need for tired blankets and the same old wall art. We create everything you need to make your apartment or dorm a little more you, and also partner with Dormify to make super cute bed spreads and pillows, too. But the party doesn’t stop there. We also got you covered with tech gadgets, kitchen décor, desk accessories & party supplies so you can hit all the right notes this term.

Liya chose a few staples we love to get through fall semester and power through to spring: a shower speaker, cute tortoise hoop earrings, and a tapestry designed with a soft, feminine look and a cool iridescent vibe. Dig her style? Check out our entire line of apartment decor and women’s accessories to see Liya’s picks and make them your own!

The AExME campaign is about real people and real style. It is a celebration or freedom, individuality and difference. Show how you make AE clothes your own with Instagram posts tagged #AExME and @americaneagle and you can be in our next campaign! From your head to your toes, inside and out, we want you to express your true self every day… this is why we make #AEJeans and clothes for every body.

LA-based college student Liya takes her interests in fashion, beauty, travel & more and brings them to the screen to serve up hot tips and tricks to her subscribers. Check out her channels below for more style inspiration! TwitterInstagramYouTube

Athleisure is an easy trend to get behind. Statement-making sneakers, cropped sweatshirts, joggers, ball caps… Pieces that bring comfort, style and attention to detail together. What’s NOT to love? The next time you’re in the mood for a “casual with a twist” kind of look, channel Sporty Spice and make that twist an on-trend, easy DIY that sets your jeans apart from the rest. The best part? You can use a pair of jeans you already have!

Check out our DIY guide below and give it a go yourself.

STEP ONE : GLUE YOUR RACING STRIPE ALONG THE SEAM

Do this from waist to hem, making sure to leave enough ribbon to fold into the waistband. This goes for the hem, too – you don’t want the cut edge of the ribbon to show!

Tip: Follow the instructions on the glue for drying times, as they can vary by brand!

STEP TWO : STITCH THE TOP TO SECURE

Thread your needle and secure with a knot. Start by stitching at the waistband, going over the initial stitch spot a few times. Then continue down the leg to the hem, stitching every ¼ inch. Do this along both edges of the ribbon.

STEP THREE : ROCK YOUR NEW JEANS

Tip: The safest way to wash your DIY jeans is to turn them inside-out and use a gentle wash cycle with cold water!

Did you try it? Share your DIY jeans with us using #AExME or #AEJeans @americaneagle and you could be featured on our Facebook or Instagram feed!

This is the true story…

Ah, the glory days of music television. For some of us, the ‘90s are “vintage.” For others, the ‘90s are, well, our childhood (hey! no judging!) – a truly magical time filled with fashion must-haves like scrunchies, flare jeans, overalls, stretchy chokers, etc. Whichever category you fall under, this is your chance to relive one very unique (and also very colorful) decade in our exclusive collection of iconic, nostalgia-inducing MTV tees.

The ‘90s were all about classic, simple outfits. A graphic tee, your favorite jeans, your go-to sneakers and, KAZAAM! — you’re ready for the *NSYNC concert. Consider this your official permission to bring those good old days back. Tie your hair up in a scrunchie, throw on a fanny pack(!!!), dust off your Walkman, and rock out to some Nirvana… we’re all doing it.

A few months ago, we asked you to send us t-shirt designs that inspire others to get out and vote – and you guys DELIVERED. Check out the winning designs in stores and online now (all sales benefit Rock The Vote!) and get to know the awesome people who created them below.

Q: What inspired you to enter the contest?

I’m inspired by people who use their voices and knowledge to create positive change. Voting is the one thing every person can do to have a voice in our government, and young voters need to get engaged and get to the voting booths. Today’s government choices and policies will affect our generation for many years. I was excited to promote voting to my generation through American Eagle’s effortless and trendy style.

Q: Tell us about your design?

My design combines red and blue hands raised up together to symbolize the American flag, and also people from different political parties coming together to vote. While our opinions may differ, we are united by our country and our American freedoms which include the right to vote. We’re lucky to be able to have a say our country’s policies and priorities. It’s not like this everywhere, and we shouldn’t take it for granted.

Q: What does freedom, individuality and self-expression mean to you?

Freedom, individuality, and self-expression means everything to me. As an artist I never want to feel censored, and I never want to be afraid to express myself. These are American values that we need to protect.

Q: How important is voting?

Voting is so important, and it is every citizen’s right. If you pass up your right to vote, you are allowing other people to make decisions on your behalf about key issues that you might not agree with. The easiest way to make your voice heard is to vote. It makes a bigger difference than you think.

Q: What does the future look like to you?

The future is looking brighter because people are speaking up and becoming more active in letting our elected officials know how we feel. You can make phone calls to your representatives, attend a march, learn about issues that will affect you, and learn about which candidates are most aligned with your ideals. I’m hopeful for our future.

Q: What inspired you to enter the contest?

Simple fonts and soft vintage colors were the main points of inspiration for my design. Vintage design involves more than simply ripping off the past. Learning how to create something modern with elements from the past is something I find extremely interesting, as it relates to my personal style choices, and henceforth reflects in my art. Blending vintage influences with contemporary elements was key to creating a design that I felt was spot-on with American Eagle’s overall brand vibe.

Q: Tell us about your design?

My design reads, “Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Perhaps you’ve heard this definition of insanity: “Doing the same things over and over but expecting different results.” The truth is that nothing changes if nothing changes. I chose this quote to be the center of my design because of its relevance in terms of voting. Voting allows one to impact their future, but until that process is started, one’s opinion cannot become actuality.

Q: What does freedom, individuality and self-expression mean to you?

To me, freedom means expressing myself freely, but not so unrestrainedly that my expressions/words harm others. Freedom means being able to embrace creativity without fear of retribution. Individuality means challenging the norm and questioning authority time and time again. Self-expression is a display of individuality, and for me, this means channeling it through my clothing choices and/or art forms, such as my writing and painting. Expressing myself means that people will see my spirit and true character; they will see the totality of who I am as an individual.

Q: How important is voting?

Voting is an important right in our society. As a constitutional right and privilege that Americans have, it is best to make use of that privilege, instead of squandering it and disregarding it. Through voting, you have the opportunity to influence the government and make your stance known.

Q: What does the future look like to you?

For me, the future is full of endless possibilities. Throughout my life, I have found endless opportunity in every outlet available, and moving forward, I hope to continue doing the same. I do not know what is to come, but I know I will make the best of it, no matter what odds are against me.

Q: What inspired you to enter the contest?

When I saw that AE wanted to use some of their customers’ designs, I wanted to take the opportunity, whether I won the contest or not. Plus, the Rock the Vote campaign is AE’s partner in this, which gave me a little extra motivation to enter the contest, because it’s so important to vote for not just your community, but yourself.

Q: Tell us about your design?

Honestly, my design is pretty simple. I used the name Rock the Vote because it is supporting the contest, and it has a nice ring to it! I used the classic colors for a voting pin and the American flag. When I was drawing it, I knew I wanted it to be simple and say what needed to be said, which is to vote!

Q: What does freedom, individuality and self-expression mean to you?

I used to dress for others. I would wear basic clothing and sometimes I hid my style from others. Lately, I’m beginning to wear what I like and I think others should do the same. Individuality makes life so much more diverse and interesting, not only for others but for yourself! I love how young people like myself are standing up for what they believe is right, this past year especially!

Q: How important is voting?

Even though I am a bit too young to vote, I think it is so important. I entered the contest because I love how AE is promoting it in the form of clothing. It’s crucial to vote because it can affect you and others for years to come. Not only that, but it can give you a sense of freedom and importance.

Q: What does the future look like to you?

The future will have its ups and downs, I think, just like in the past. But now, at least, so many people are stepping up for important causes like women’s rights, gun protection and more! As time goes on, I hope that more people get the chance to speak up for what they believe is right.

Q: What inspired you to enter the contest?

I was inspired to enter the Rock the Vote contest with American Eagle because I have a passion for fashion and design and this was a great opportunity for me to get my designs out there. Not only was this a great way for me to gain experience with design, it is also for an important cause.

Q: Tell us about your design?

I love a good retro, ’70s style t-shirt and I know that this vintage look is trending right now. My design was inspired by a classic look, with the color scheme and font. The saying “Stay Woke & Vote” came to me when I was trying to find words that rhymed with “vote.” I thought the word “woke” would fit perfectly because it refers to being aware of issues, such as people forgetting or choosing not to vote. I hope that my design is something people are aesthetically attracted to, but I also hope that they are inspired by the words and meaning.

Q: What does freedom, individuality and self-expression mean to you?

Something I’ve learned over the years is to embrace individuality. Everyone is going to be different, with varying opinions, styles, personalities, etc. Rather than suppressing the traits that make each person unique, we should embrace them. Instead of being like everyone else, or trying to fit into social norms, self-expression needs to be more encouraged. To me, freedom, individuality and self-expression are all related to each other because it is each of our freedoms to be able to express ourselves and be individuals.

Q: How important is voting?

Voting is an important way to make your opinions count. It is crucial to stand up for what you believe in, especially when it comes to politics. A lot of people think that it doesn’t matter if you vote or not and they don’t care about politics; however, these choices directly affect everyone. Every vote matters.

Q: What does the future look like to you?

The future can be anything we make it. I hope that the future brings more progress in areas such as climate change. I am hopeful for the future.